British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Elizabeth Rex

Synopsis
A film made for television based on Timothy Findlay’s two-act play, directed by Martha Henry, for the Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival. Queen Elizabeth condemns her lover, the Earl of Essex, to death for treason. On the eve of his death in 1601, a tormented Elizabeth seeks distraction and calls on William Shakespeare and his players to perform a comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. After the play has ended she joins the company, and as the players remove their costumes stripping away illusion, Elizabeth confronts her own torment. On the eve of his own death in 1616 Shakespeare remembers the confrontation and mourns the play he never wrote.
Series
Opening Night
Language
English
Country
Canada
Medium
Television; Video
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Transmission details
25 Sep 2003 (Channel: CBC)
Duration
92 mins

Credits

Director
Barbara Willis Sweete
Producer
Daniel Iron; Jennifer Jones (2); Niv Fichman
Cinematographer
Milan Podsedly
Writer
Timothy Findley
Production Design
Matthew Davies
Cast
Brent CarverNed Lowenscoff
Diane D’AquilaQueen Elizabeth I
Peter HuttWilliam Shakespeare

Additional Details

Production type
Television and Radio Drama
Plays
Much Ado About Nothing
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
history of the 16th century; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Elizabeth I, Queen of England; Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival

Notes

Notes
DVD extras include director’s audio commentary, omitted scenes and outtakes, behind-the-scenes documentary, close captioning for the hearing impaired and scene selection.

Production Company

Name

Rhombus Media

Sponsor

Name

Bravo TV

Online Retailer

Name

cbcshop.ca

Email
cbcshop@cbc.ca
Web
http://www.cbcshop.ca External site opens in new window
Fax
416-205 2139
Address
CBC Shop
PO Box 500, Station ‘A’
Toronto
Ontario, MSW 1E6 Canada

Record Stats

This record has been viewed 886 times.